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Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Lent 2013

I think this is the first year in a long time I haven't given up something for Lent {or maybe I didn't last year...I was still in that foggy newborn phase}. Between already trying to eat healthier and battling pregnancy cravings, I just wasn't up for further discipline.

But then I read some of Rachel Held Evans's posts on Lent, and I was reminded that the whole purpose of Lent isn't just to cultivate discipline, it's to grow closer to God.

I especially liked one of the questions she suggested: When I wake up on Resurrection Sunday, how will I be different? In all honesty, I don't know that giving up coffee or meat or anything else has made me a significantly different person by Easter, so that's something to think about this year.

She also includes suggestions for meditations, so I'll likely be working through some of those. Catherine and I listened to the Bible last year, but I've had trouble coming up with a regular Bible study this year. So far, I've been slowly working through a few commentaries and continuing with my memory verses but haven't been doing an "official" Bible study.

Right now, I'm actually OK with that. God is gentle with those who have young, right? But these meditations will be good supplements.

What about you? Are you giving up something for Lent or practicing another discipline? Has it helped you grow closer to God in the past?
~by

2 comments:

  1. You will basically see all the same info I'm about to give you in my post tonight but here goes. I'm giving up Facebook for Lent and adding in daily Bible readings.

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  2. Anonymous2/13/2013

    Well, you already know mine, but it strikes me, have you ever considered taking ONE verse, just one, and making it your "Life's Verse?" Building your life on just one verse...trying to perfect just one virtue or gift or fruit of the Spirit by the end of your life?
    Here's another memory that the Lord just keeps recalling to my attention. On a women's retreat I once, attended, our Retreat Master asked us why there are so few recorded words of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the scriptures. He said it was because she never spoke a word that didn't glorify God. (Ouch!) It was a silent retreat, but we were allowed to converse, only at the table, during meals. After his remark, meals got a whole lot quieter, and what WAS said was a lot more charitable!

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